Governor Pat McCrory and Attorney General Roy Cooper faced off in the first North Carolina gubernatorial debate last Friday. Some of the hot topics discussed in the debate were House Bill 2, gun control, and public school teachers.

The Avett Brothers, a popular band from Concord, North Carolina, released their fourth record called True Sadness. The album is different from their usual bluegrass rock sound, demonstrating how the band has grown as musicians. In a recent interview, the band discussed how they don’t take a public stand on political state issues they aren’t qualified to speak on.

Durham City Councilor Jillian Johnson has an active presence at civil rights protests, despite being an elected official. Last Monday, Johnson wrote on her personal Facebook page about gun control, the no-fly list and FBI anti-terror efforts. The post has prompted raging debates over her criticisms of law enforcement and her position of power.

On Sunday, the Raleigh-based Sigmon Law Firm filed an amicus brief in the American Civil Liberties Union’s case against North Carolina over House Bill 2. The brief, whose signatories include school administrators from across the country, recounts administrators’ experiences with transgender students and makes the case that North Carolina lawmakers' concerns aren't rooted in reality.

The proposed Durham-Orange County Light Rail is a three-decade effort in the Triangle. While many city officials are in favor of the system, there are a number of questions about the wisdom of the current plan, how it will be funded, and whether it will serve the people who need it. An enhanced busing system could be a more effective, flexible, and cheaper option.

Many residents near Cane Creek reservoir passionately oppose the Mountains-to-Sea Trail coming through Orange Water and Sewer Authority land near their properties. Reasons to their opposition are invasion of privacy, potential safety hazards, and spoiling of natural habitat. The Orange County Board of Commissioners will consider alternative routes for the trail.